What to Look for in a GPS
Modern GPS units have so many features it can be very confusing to know which feature will be useful for you. So we have listed and explained the important features you will come across when shopping for a GPS. As well as showing you which GPS feature you should look for when reviewing different makes and models.
Preloaded Maps
- Preloaded maps of Australia, New Zealand, Europe, USA and Canada.
Screen Visibility
- Screen changes automatically between day and night modes.
- Good daylight visibility.
Point of Interest (POI)
- Large range of POI items.
Ease of Use
- Printed manual included.
Readability
- Excellent indication of roads and route with good size text.
- Names the streets, suburbs and cities.
Instructions
- Roundabout exits are numbered first, second, etc.
- Excellent instructions.
- Time to recover after a missed turn.
- Verbal instructions.
- Quality of the voice. Clarity of speech and good pronunciation.
- Timing of turn and other instructions.
- Specificity of the instructions.
- Ability to rely on verbal instructions alone without looking at the screen.
- Capability of importing extra voices for foreign languages, or humorous voices.
- How useful the instructions are.
- How easy it is to use the menu structure on the touch screen.
- Is a stylus required to make entries.
Voice recognition
- Ability to correctly recognize your speech. Hint: Speak clearly and somewhat slowly. Like a newsreader.
Windscreen/Dashboard Mounts
- Secure mounts to avoid shaking on rough roads.
- Some mounts are not as adjustable as the more common ball-jointed type.
- How easy is it to attach and remove the GPS from the windscreen or dashboard.
Price
- Good value for money.
Software / Map Upgrades
- Maps regularly updated for roads, suburbs and other features like railway lines
- Updates to Points of Interest
- Software upgrades where neccesary to fix any bugs or provide improvements to features
If there are any other features you think we should include here please let us know below:
